What's eating my snapdragon?

Snapdragons are commonly attacked by aphids on tender new growth and spider mites in hot, dry weather. Caterpillars (budworms and loopers) chew flowers and foliage. Rust fungus causes orange pustules on leaves but can be mistaken for a pest. In cooler climates, slugs damage young transplants. Control aphids early to prevent virus spread, which is the most economically damaging outcome.

Clusters on shoot tips and buds causing curling, sticky honeydew, and potential mosaic virus transmission. Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested tips promptly to limit virus spread.

Fine stippling and bronze discolouration on leaves, with fine webbing on leaf undersides in severe cases; worst in hot, dry weather. Mist foliage to raise humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide. Keep plants well-watered, as stress worsens mite outbreaks.

Holes in flowers and chewed buds; frass (droppings) visible inside blooms; severe infestations reduce flowering dramatically. Hand-pick caterpillars at dusk; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to foliage and buds. Repeat weekly while plants are in bud.

Young transplants and lower leaves rasped overnight, especially in cool, moist spring conditions. Apply iron phosphate slug bait around transplants. Use copper tape barriers around raised beds or pot rims.